The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1887-06-29
MY STRANGE LEGACY.

" ASL, 90 q WI iAAoAi A
nounced to my friends and relations my
fixed determination to become journal
ist, their attempts to dissuade me from
adopting that career were almost unani-
nous. They pointed out with great force
the precarious nature of such employ
ment, its difficulties, its hardships and the
comparatively few prizes that were
offered in such lottery. These argu-
ments were, however, unavailing. was
infatuated with 'the power of the press,
and ALREADY saw in imagination the time
when I should become ''we," and help
to enlighten mankind-and womankind
too, for I was then unmarried and filled
with plans for the elevation of the fairer
sex.-by my luminously expressed and
well-considcred opinions.
One single friend counseled me to Ego
ahead and try the work for which felt
an inclination. This good genius was an
uncle, who had in his earlier years won
distinction as newspaper man, and
though he had abandoned that field for
the more remunerative one of novel
writing, was still in complete touch and
sympathy with his former employment.
''It's hard and wearing life, my boy"
he said, "but it has its pleasures and its
triumphs. If you've anything in you,
and fancy you have, you'll either get
we'll on in Journalism, or get out of it.
Don't be content to settle down in a SUBJ
ordinate position, however fair the salary
or light the work. I can, perhaps, help
you to get start, and when you want a
tlift' and l think you deserve it, I'll try
to give it to YOU"
Through my uncle's influence did get
my start" and though for nearly two
years was doomed to the worst kind of
"reporting," stuck manfully to my
work. Certainly was little dissillu-
stoned about the glorious delights
of the journalistic career, but I was
confident that they were yet to be
found in the sacred precincts of the edi-
tor.al rooms. After the two years had
passed, advancement began to come,
slowly at first, but by dint of hard labor
and untiring energy | forced myself into
the notice of the "chief." 1t was five
years before I passed from the "city-
room " to the managing editors depart
ment, where l assisted the dramatic and
literary critics. I was at last in posi-
ton to begin my schemes for the eIeva-
tion of womankind, and I speedily raised
the dearest girl in the world into the
dignity If "Mrs." This was not per-
haps, great ''reform," but I fattercd
myself it evinced my appreciation and
good intentions.
My plunge into matrimony was like
that into Journalism, opposed by my
nearest friends, who cheerfully empha-
sized the fact that my income was entirely
dependent upon my hea!th-a most un-
certain reliance. Again my uncle rallied
to my support. 'Gnsure your life for a
decent sum, try and save something every
week, no matter how little, and trust in
Providence" was his advice. 1t is al
most needless to say I took it, though l
regret to say that 1 did not find the
weekly saving to be always practicable.
Our wedding-presents were neither nu-
merous nor extravagant; still some useful
articles ightened the expense of setting
up housekeeping. I must confess that
I had hope that my uncle would 'come
down handsomely" for was he not the
only one of my relatives whose advice l
had taken2 My disappointment was
considerable when I found his contribu-
ton consisted of copy of his last novel
"a book, too, that / had already favor
ably reviewed.
''This is gratitude and generosity in
deed !" exclaimed, as I savagely pitched
the volume to the farther end of the
room, and opened the note which had
accompanied the precious gift. 1t ran
thus:
"MY DEAR JACK:
''You are about to take my advice-and
wife; hope both will turn out equally good.
Never having been husband myself, I can
fearlessly say to you that a good husband
males good wife As an earnest Of my
best wishes, send you what is most precious
to me, my Benjamin, my youngest child, in
whose pages trust you will find some of my
most valuable thoughts
"Your affectionate uncle, ROBERT
''What is the matter2" exclaimed the
"dearest girl, :" whose attention had been
attracted by the noise made by the fall
ing book.
''All that my liberal uncle has sent me
is copy of his last book, which didn't
cost him cent. It's jolly lucky for him
reviewed it week ago."
Don't be vexed, dear; at any rate, 1
wanted to read it," and she walked to
where the offending volume was resting
and picked it up
''Why, Jack ~ she cried, as she opened
it, ''here, pinned to the title-page, isa
$500 bilr!"
To say that l mentally kicked myself
for an ungrateful idiot, would be to give
apoor idea of the state of my feelings;
during the next hour the "dearest girl
and had the most delightful talk about
the ultimate disposition of that beauti-
fully engraved fy-leaf.
think Unjust have been a very good
husband, for certainly had the best of
wives. 1t is just barely possible, however,
that the converse of my uncles quotation
j. true, and that good wife makes good
husband. rather prefer to flatter my
self by not believing this, and assuredly
see many good wives who have not good
husbands. My uncle Robert was
certainly very clever man!
Twelve years had glided swiftly by
since the date of my marriage, and though
had become managing editor, the ex-
Penses OF q somewhat numerous family
kept me from accumulating any consider
able refund. On several Christ
masses handsome presents from Uncle
Robert had tided mo ovor rpony +;ub+